Walk Your Family Through The Bible: The Gospels

August 3, 2015

How can we connect all we’ve learned through the Old Testament to the Good News of Jesus for our kids?

I think my kiddos did a happy dance when I told them we were starting the New Testament this month and learning about Jesus. Though we enjoyed our walk through the Old Testament, it doesn’t surprise me that they connect even more to the idea of following the life of Jesus. To children, Jesus is accessible, he’s a friend, he’s someone they will want to know on a personal level if we guide them in relationship with him.

Phil explains in the beginning of Volume 10: Jesus is the Good News! that the Old Testament is like a story without an ending. No wonder my kids got excited at the thought of continuing this epic tale and finally getting to the really good part!

We learn in the first episode of Volume 10 that there were 400 years between the end of the Old Testament and the beginning of the New Testament. Our What’s in the Bible? friends pose a really good question…Why did God wait so long before revealing his rescue plan?

The discussion that follows surrounding God’s perfect timing is an important one in helping children to understand God’s ways. The truth we can apply to all of our lives no matter what our age is this: God waits to act until the time is right.

This portion of our journey truly begins to connect the dots as we see how the Old and New Testaments are two partial pictures of the whole Story. Each period in the history of our faith doesn’t make sense until we put them together.

The Old Testament is filled with promises. The New Testament is the fulfillment of those promises. In Jesus, all of God’s promises come true. His life gave us the ability to turn to God to live the way he originally designed us to live.

What is Jesus is the Good News! all about?

Key Concepts:

God’s Perfect Timing

Baptism

The Trinity

The Kingdom of God

The Gospel

History:

Period between Old and New Testaments

Alexander the Great / The Roman Empire

Jewish Groups

The Dead Sea Scrolls

Stories:

John the Baptist

Jesus’ Miracles, Healings and Teachings

The Last Supper

Jesus’ Death and Resurrection

What can we learn from the gospels in Jesus is the Good News?

Each detail comes together in Volume 10 to create a picture that is the Gospel. Everything we’ve learned up until this moment has pointed to Jesus. And he enters the story as someone our kids may already know and love. Yet now, they can connect the dots to grow in understanding of how they fit into the tale, or better yet, how they fit into the kingdom.

Jesus is the Good News. He is the blessing promised to Abraham thousands of years ago. Young children may still have a hard time grasping the connection so we’re focusing our attention on Jesus as the rescuer God sent to teach us how to live, love and follow God.

And not only does he teach us as we follow him, he invites us to be a part of the club. . .the kingdom. When we choose to join him, we become his disciple. A disciple is a follower of Jesus. During his ministry on earth, Jesus picked 12 men to be his disciples. They went with Jesus everywhere he went to teach others about God, heal the sick and perform miracles. As we learn about these faithful men in the gospels, we will encourage our children to likewise, join Jesus in loving others.

Talking to our kids about the Gospel and 4 more conversation starters:

1. God’s Perfect Timing – Even though the world was a mess and needed to be rescued, God did not rush the process. He could have fixed everything as quickly as he wanted to. But he chose to fulfill his promises and his plan in the fullness of time. God’s timing is always perfect. We can trust that he knows what’s best for us in every situation. When we wait patiently for God’s leading, we enjoy the blessing of his all-knowing plan.

2. The Gospels – The first four books of the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) are called The Gospels. The word Gospel means, God’s good story. This is where we get the term, “The Good News.” The Gospels are the story of Jesus and his life and ministry. They tell an important message that the kingdom of God is coming and the good news is, we are all invited to be a part of it.

3. Baptism – One of the most important moments in the Gospels is the introduction of the prophet, John the Baptist and his announcement that everything God promised was about to be true. John the Baptist told the people to prepare the way of the Lord. He baptized them as I sign of their repentance. Baptism is a symbol of being cleansed of our old self and made new or clean. When Jesus came to John to be baptized, he did so not because he needed to be cleansed but as an example for others. As he was lifted out of the water, the sky opened up and God’s spirit came down confirming John the Baptist’s message, “I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

4. The Passover Lamb – Just as God saved his people through the first Passover, Jesus gave his life so we could be saved too. His sacrifice took away sin and death for everyone. The blood of Jesus is the new covenant or promise that we can have new life. It’s God’s rescue plan fulfilled. The whole entire Bible points to this moment; the coming of the Messiah.

5. The Kingdom of God – Jesus’ teaching and miracles gave people glimpses of what the world was supposed to be like before sin entered the picture. Jesus showed he had the authority to set things right. God brought his kingdom here to earth through Jesus but his kingdom is not yet fully-grown. In God’s perfect timing, the kingdom will burst forth like a flower in full bloom. Because of what Jesus did when he died on the cross and took on the stain and punishment of our sin, we can be a part of the kingdom. We can invite others to be a part of God’s kingdom, too, when we share his love with those around us.

Jesus invites us to be a part of the kingdom of God. He wants us to experience life as a child of the King. But he doesn’t make us or force us to follow him. He simply invites us, giving us a choice to join him and live a life filled with freedom. I want this life for my children and I am so thankful to have this resource to help us share the Story and help them find their place in the kingdom of God.

Note: Did you know that each What’s In The Bible? DVD comes with a family discussion guide inside? Use the discussion starters in this post and in the DVD to begin faith-building conversations in your home.

Jessica Wolstenholm is co-founder of Grace for Moms. After 15 years in the music and publishing industries, Jessica came home to be with her two small children. Although the transition from the corporate world to the playground has been an adjustment, she is learning every day to access the grace available to us through Christ as she navigates the full time job of motherhood. She is the co-author of The Pregnancy Companion: A Faith-Filled Guide for Your Journey to Motherhood and The Baby Companion: A Faith-Filled Guide for Your Journey Through Baby’s First Year. Jessica lives in Nolensville, TN with her husband, Dave and two miracle babies, Hope (6) and Joshua (3).

God loves you so very much.God came to earth as a man in the flesh. His name is Jesus Christ. Jesus became the light of the world to save sinners from their sins. Jesus knew no sin, but became sin for us. He willingly died on the cross, shed his blood, and rose three days later for the sins of the whole world. Jesus took the cup of wrath on himself and took your place of punishment.While he was on the cross just before he gave up the ghost he said "It is finished." Jesus finished the work of the will of his father that sent him. The "Godhead" is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit and these three are one.God is Jesus in the flesh.
Being the light of the world
JOHN 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
Being sin for us
2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to bbe sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
God Is Jesus in the flesh
John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
The Godhead
1 JOHN 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
Jesus loves you so much that while we are all sinners, he died for all of us.He died for the ungodly.
ROMANS 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Because of God's righteous standards he cannot sin in his presence, we must be punished for our sins
ROMANS 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Good works or proper humanity or being a "good person" cannot justify you or get you to heaven. We are only saved by God's grace! No man, pastor, priest, religion, good works, yourself, church, nothing has the power to save you and keep you saved but by Jesus Christ alone can save you and keep you saved.
Jesus is the way
JOHN 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Saved by God's grace
EPHESIANS 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Jesus is the Saviour and the light of the world and wants to save you from your sins for eternity.
2 PETER 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long suffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but all should come to repentance.
Jesus wants you to repent, turn to him, and put your faith and trust in him and call upon the Lord to forgive you of your sins and save your soul.
Call upon the name of the Lord and get saved
ROMANS 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, Thou shalt be saved
ROMANS 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
It is a heart decision that you make because God sees your heart.
From your heart, go to the Lord:: Our Father In Heaven, I confess to you that I'm a sinner that has sinned against you and I ask you to forgive me of my sins. I Believe Jesus Christ died on the cross, shed his blood, and rose three days later for my sins. I accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour and ask him to save my soul when I die..In this I ASK IN JESUS name, Amen
The minute you call on the Lord from your heart and truly mean it then you are saved and forgiven for you sins for all eternity.... The world we live in now is only temporary and when we die it's for ETERNITY...Either in heaven (SAVED/BORN AGAIN) or hell (UNSAVED/NOT BORN AGAIN). You cannot take anything in this world with you when you die.Your SOUL is way more valuable than anything in this temporal world. Read God's word and let the Holy Spirit that dwells in the believers teach you, not man....Get saved today because you are not promised another day;))))

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (KJV) http://www.twitter.com/thebibledaily

Matthew 5:1-48 WEB
Seeing the multitudes, he went up onto the mountain. When he had sat down, his disciples came to him. [2] He opened his mouth and taught them, saying, [3] "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. [4] Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. [5] Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. [6] Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled. [7] Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. [8] Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. [9] Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. [10] Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. [11] "Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake. [12] Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you. [13] "You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, with what will it be salted? It is then good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men. [14] You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can't be hidden. [15] Neither do you light a lamp, and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house. [16] Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. [17] "Don't think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn't come to destroy, but to fulfill. [18] For most certainly, I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not even one smallest letter or one tiny pen stroke shall in any way pass away from the law, until all things are accomplished. [19] Whoever, therefore, shall break one of these least commandments, and teach others to do so, shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven; but whoever shall do and teach them shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. [20] For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, there is no way you will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. [21] "You have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, 'You shall not murder;' and 'Whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.' [22] But I tell you, that everyone who is angry with his brother without a cause will be in danger of the judgment; and whoever says to his brother, 'Raca!' will be in danger of the council; and whoever says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of Gehenna. [23] "If therefore you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has anything against you, [24] leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. [25] Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are with him on the way; lest perhaps the prosecutor deliver you to the judge, and the judge deliver you to the officer, and you be cast into prison. [26] Most certainly I tell you, you shall by no means get out of there, until you have paid the last penny. [27] "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery;' [28] but I tell you that everyone who gazes at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart. [29] If your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that one of your members should perish, than for your whole body to be cast into Gehenna. [30] If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off, and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that one of your members should perish, than for your whole body to be cast into Gehenna. [31] "It was also said, 'Whoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorce,' [32] but I tell you that whoever puts away his wife, except for the cause of sexual immorality, makes her an adulteress; and whoever marries her when she is put away commits adultery. [33] "Again you have heard that it was said to them of old time, 'You shall not make false vows, but shall perform to the Lord your vows,' [34] but I tell you, don't swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God; [35] nor by the earth, for it is the footstool of his feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. [36] Neither shall you swear by your head, for you can't make one hair white or black. [37] But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes' and your 'No' be 'No.' Whatever is more than these is of the evil one. [38] "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' [39] But I tell you, don't resist him who is evil; but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. [40] If anyone sues you to take away your coat, let him have your cloak also. [41] Whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. [42] Give to him who asks you, and don't turn away him who desires to borrow from you. [43] "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' [44] But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you, [45] that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust. [46] For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Don't even the tax collectors do the same? [47] If you only greet your friends, what more do you do than others? Don't even the tax collectors do the same? [48] Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

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